Friday, April 29, 2011

Let's get the usual suspects out of the way: Andre Ethier had an RBI and a double to extend his hit streak to 25 games. He also made a nice diving catch in the seventh. Matt Kemp hit what turned out to be the game-winning home run in the seventh. Oh, and he also made a nice diving catch in the top of the inning.

But here's the unusual suspect: Juan Uribe. He hit a home run to put the Dodgers ahead in the fourth. He also had a double in the seventh, but more impressively, Uribe played great defense at third base, turning a tricky double play in the third and making a nice diving catch in the fourth.

Ted Lilly was solid, allowing five hits and one run over six for the win. But Jonathan Broxton created more ulceritis: K, GO, single, single, single. Men on first and third, one-run lead. Nick Hundley smokes one into left, but Tony Gwynn Jr. saves the day with a diving grab. A lot of diving in the outfield tonight.

The only thing I can think of to help Brox out are visits to the mound after each batter or even every pitch by anyone on the team to keep his head in the game.Whether it's the catcher an infielder or a coach. Don't let the fucker think.

But you are correct. Brox ain't getting it back. At least while he's here. A change of scenery may help, a-la JMart. But for whatever reason (likely a combination of physical and mental issues) he's lost it as a Dodger closer. Hitters aren't afraid, and they know they are going to get a fastball that is fairly tentatively thrown. If you take the velocity factor away and the unknown pitch type and location away, you got nothin' in a pitcher.